Former assistant picture editor at The Times, Kathy Burton, died 14 September at Lewisham Hospital following a long illness. She was 46.
Burton began her career at the age of 16 as a messenger on the Daily Mail picture desk in 1976. She rapidly rose through the ranks and had many admirers, including editor Sir David English.
In 1986, she moved to the fledgling Today newspaper as assistant picture editor. In 1990, she married Today photographer Steve Burton and they both remained there until 1995, when the paper was shut down.
Burton was transferred within News International to The Times picture desk, where she remained until 2005.
Times picture editor Paul Sanders said: ‘Kathy was a real old school picture editor – she had lots and lots of contacts and was able to call in pictures at the drop of a hat out of the most impossible situations.
‘She was one of those larger than life characters on the newsdesk and always wanted to be one step ahead of the competition. She was incredibly passionate about The Times and the people that worked here, and literally lived for the job.”
Burton leaves behind daughter Anastasia and ex-husband Steve, who added: ‘She will always be remembered with warmth and fond memories by all who knew her.”
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